North Carolina Governor Josh Stein takes us from his days as a high school soccer star to the frontlines of our state's biggest challenges. He explains why NC governors often have to lead with one hand tied behind their back, how unregulated THC products pose a growing public health risk, and why Western North Carolina might just be the most unforgettable place on Earth. Josh makes his case for a fairer, more functional state government while dishing on bipartisan wins, ‘80s soft rock, and his go-to Jersey Mike’s order.👉 ⁠Support the Hometown Holler by becoming a Patron or by leaving a tip on PayPal⁠

David A. Graham is a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America. David joins the Hometown Holler to unpack what Project 2025 actually is, how it’s shaping Trump’s second term, and the real-world consequences already unfolding for Americans. The conversation also explores the evolution of Trump’s rhetoric, why public fear of crime often outpaces reality, the surge of nationwide anti-Trump protests, and why Southern communities may face the next Hurricane alone.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by on Patreon⁠ or by Donating to our PayPal⁠📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook

The Holler hangs out with Patrick Newton, Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party, to dive into the role of third parties in American democracy. We unpack the arguments both for and against third-party movements, explore what North Carolina voters could gain from having the Forward Party on the ballot, and examine how alternative parties can shift political conversations—even without winning elections. Patrick also shares why putting data above ideology is crucial for building effective policies and moving beyond partisan gridlock. Whether you’re skeptical of third parties or searching for new political pathways, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what “moving forward” might really mean.

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This week on The Hometown Holler podcast, we sit down with Blair Reeves—North Carolina’s favorite Waffle House Democrat and co-founder of Carolina Forward. Blair breaks down how the collapse of local media and a decade of ruthless gerrymandering paved the way for unchecked corruption in Raleigh. We dig into how the GOP supermajority seized control—and what it means for our schools, environment, voting rights, and future. What will it take to fight back and restore sanity in North Carolina politics? Blair’s got ideas.

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What happens when a nationally touring comedian with ADHD, a love for cats, and a deep sense of political urgency takes a vow to become Democracy's greatest defender? Answer: Blaire Postman! The Holler hangs out with America's Cat-Lady-In-Chief to explore how she turned a meme into a movement! Starting from scratch (pun intended) Blaire unleashed the full furry fury of America's cat ladies in 2024 and she's just getting started! With biting jokes and blistering insight, Blaire brings hope, wisdom, and the kind of energy that makes espresso look like decaf.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook

🎧 Topics Covered:-Cat Ladies for Kamala: origin story-Using comedy as a political tool-Organizing beyond the party structure-Why mainstream Dems don’t know how to fight-The billionaire takeover of American life-How ADHD helped (and complicated) her activism-Grassroots organizing vs. professional “grassroots”-Calls to action for everyday folks-What “cat lady” really means

Stormie Daie—drag queen, science educator, and LGBTQ+ activist—returns to the Holler to talk about growing up queer in the South, the intersection of drag and education, and using art as activism.

A founding member of the legendary House of Coxx in Durham, NC, Stormie shares how drag became her armor—both a celebration of self and a shield in the fight for visibility and equality. We cover everything from femmephobia and trans rights to drag bans, bomb threats, and Pride parades. Whether she’s performing at Drag Story Hour or organizing for liberation, Stormie Daie brings beauty, brilliance, and bold truth to communities across North Carolina.

If you’ve ever wondered “What is drag?” or “Why is drag under attack?”—this conversation is a must-listen.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• Drag as political protest

• The difference between drag and being transgender

• Femmephobia and gender norms

• Queer representation in the South

• Safety threats against drag performers

• Pride parades and LGBTQ+ community building

• How to support your local Pride

  
  

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In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with former North Carolina State Representative, Attorney Chaz Beasley, to talk about the state of politics — in North Carolina and across the country. From the future of democracy to the challenges of public service, Chaz offers deep insights, honest reflections, and thoughtful takes on what it means to lead in today’s America.If you're interested in North Carolina politics, Democracy, or how real change happens on the ground, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Hometown Holler — your front-row seat to the voices shaping our state and country.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler 🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler #ChazBeasley #NorthCarolinaPolitics #DemocracyInCrisis #HometownHoller #NCPolitics #StatePolitics #LocalLeaders #PoliticalPodcast #NCNews #ProgressiveVoices

Kenny Wortman ain’t your typical politician. He’s a mohawk-wearing, neck-tattoo-showing, no-time-for-BS father, veteran firefighter, and funeral director. He’s also a lifelong Republican. Wortman joins the Holler to reveal what happens when you stop preaching the party gospel and start asking real questions. From small-town power grabs to backroom deals, this episode unpacks how local corruption can quietly sabotage public education, affordable housing, and economic development anywhere. Wortman pulls back the curtain on the political machine—and makes a powerful case for thinking for yourself, standing your ground, and refusing to play along just to stay in power.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook

In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with award-winning North Carolina photographer and storyteller Cornell Watson. Hailing from Weldon, NC, Cornell uses his camera to capture the heart, history, and humanity of black communities across the South, blending artistry with unapologetic truth-telling.From intimate family portraits to bold confrontations with systemic injustice, Cornell’s images don’t just tell stories—they challenge us to see, to reflect, and to act. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, ESPN and more. In this conversation, Cornell opens up about his journey, the inspiration behind his most powerful projects, and why he believes photography can be a potent tool for change—even if it doesn’t always shift policy.We also talk about the emotional weight of stories like that of Julio Zambrano’s disappearance, and how Cornell’s lens brings visibility to lives and experiences too often erased. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler 🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler #CornellWatson #TarredHealing #BehindTheMask #BlackPhotographers #ArtAsActivism #JulioZambrano #PhotographyPodcast #HometownHoller #NorthCarolinaStories #SocialJusticeArt

Stephen Prince is a patriotic millionaire—and he wants you to know the game is rigged. In this episode, the vice-chair of the Patriotic Millionaires breaks down why wealth hoarding isn’t just unfair—it’s un-American. From his humble beginnings in small-town South Georgia to building a multimillion-dollar business, Prince shares how he came to believe that raising taxes on the rich is the most patriotic thing we can do. Along the way, he digs into the need for a living wage, the myth of meritocracy, and why systemic change—not charity—is the only real solution.

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